Deze opleiding

In this specialisation you will learn to find solutions for complex societal problems as encountered in personalized medicine, chemical biology and sustainable use of biological sources.

In recent decades, life science research has enabled enormous breakthroughs in our understanding of fundamental molecular and cellular processes and mechanisms of life. Knowledge about genomic organisation, studies of protein-protein interactions and the characterisation of molecular structures have become central in modern life science research. Knowledge of chemical biology forms the basis of the molecular understanding of health and disease. It finds important applications in innovative health care, in the pharmaceutical industry and in so-called 'red' biotechnology, and is the focus of the Leiden programme.

If you want to understand the outcomes of molecular and structural chemistry in-depth and gain insight in basic processes underlying various diseases our master's programme is the right choice. More in general, this research specialisation is the best choice for you if you aim for a career in life science research or if you have the aspiration to pursue a PhD degree.

Onderwijs

onderwijsvormen

instruction modes

At the start of the programme you will choose a personal mentor. The mentor will be your personal coach during the complete master's programme. You will also use a digital Master planner to schedule your studies. The schedule will be monitored by your mentor and the study coordinator. During your master programme you will become a member of one of the research groups and receive the necessary guidance.

objectives

This programme takes a fundamental approach in finding tailored solutions for complex societal problems as encountered in personalized medicine, chemical biology and sustainable use of biological sources.

The research specialisation comprises research training projects to a total of at least 60 EC, including a presentation for the research group and a written report, the master thesis. You choose two core courses from the Bio(medical) Science series and two from the Molecular Science series. The electives consist of a free choice of theoretical courses or an extension of the research project by a maximum of 20 EC. The mentor may limit the choice in elective courses by the need to adapt the programme to the present knowledge of the student. You train your communication skills via the essay and colloquium (6 EC).

study abroad

Within the tailor-made construction of the programme students get the opportunity to study abroad. You will have the option to follow elective courses abroad or conduct your research project in an industrial research laboratory or at a university abroad.

aan het woord: studenten en docenten

Noteborn

Testimonial Prof. Noteborn

“In Leiden we introduce small peaces of DNA in bacteria and in human cells.

“May 20, 2010, U.S. Scientist Craig Venter announced his team succeed in producing bacterial DNA in their laboratory and introducing this DNA into a bacteria whose own DNA had been removed.

With the aid of the synthetic DNA the scientists were able to revive a bacteria that had nearly died and get it to breed an bacteria colony. You can compare this to a computer. When you take out a software pack and replace it with a new one, the computer will retain new characteristics and start working again...

The synthetic DNA resembled the original DNA of the bacteria. Does this make the discovery less important? No. Creating such a large bacterial genome in a laboratory still is a large technological challenge. Have these US scientists created new life? No, absolutely not. The scientists used a natural mechanism. This discovery may be used for a great number of applications: advancements in the production of proteins used to produce medications, combating oil pollution more effectively and improved methods for capturing CO2.

It's not surprising that the entire would wanted to know more about this discovery. Friday the 21 of May reporters from the RTL4 asked me to explain about this new discovery in their seven thirty news bulletin, and they also asked whether it would be possible to film the interview in our brand new Cell Observatory. A large number of scientists of the LIC and other institutes at Leiden University have been introducing smaller DNA pieces into bacteria and human cells, similar to what to Craig Venter did, but much more small scale in terms of the size of the DNA involved. By doing this we are for example trying to find out which DNA particles deter the development of growing cancer cells. My colleague Dr Claude Barckendorf and a number of students Life Sience and Technology were working on these experiments on May 21st.”

Life Science and Technology: Life Science Research and Development aan de Universiteit Leiden is beoordeeld door 33 respondenten. Gemiddeld waarderen ze de opleiding met 3.8 uit 5.

Na de studie

Beroepsperspectief / arbeidsmarkt

The master's degree is an excellent stepping-stone for pursuing a PhD degree. You can also aim for a career in either industrial or academic environments.

This programme equips you with knowledge and expertise on molecular and biomedical science at a fundamental level, preparing you for a career in both industrial and academic environments. After completing your MSc programme you will have expertise in fundamental Life Sciences and have highly developed research skills.

The master's degree Life Science and Technology is a stepping-stone for those graduates with the aspiration to pursue a PhD degree. Students with a desire to apply their life sciences and technology knowledge outside the university have good job possibilities in R&D departments in industry, business, public utility companies, teaching, consultancy and government bodies. Biotechnological-, food- and biopharmaceutical industries as well as healthcare and fundamental research institutions could be suitable employers. Many students eventually attain higher management positions.